Marriage is a social institution that has been around for centuries, and it is considered an essential aspect of life in many cultures. However, not everyone wants to get married for various reasons, such as personal beliefs, career goals, or lifestyle choices. In recent years, the trend of people choosing to remain single and not get married has become more and more common. The popular Korean drama, Marriage Not Dating, explores this trend in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.
The Plot
Marriage Not Dating is a romantic comedy that aired in 2014 and became a hit in South Korea. The story revolves around a wealthy plastic surgeon named Gong Gi-tae, who is determined to remain single and never get married. However, his mother is obsessed with finding him a wife and keeps setting him up on blind dates.
To avoid these arranged dates, Gi-tae introduces Joo Jang-mi, a restaurant manager who is always getting dumped by her boyfriends, as his fake girlfriend. Gi-tae's plan works, and his mother finally gives up on finding him a wife. However, things get complicated when Gi-tae's family assumes that he and Jang-mi are engaged and start planning their wedding.
The Message
Although Marriage Not Dating is a lighthearted drama full of romantic moments and comedic scenes, it also addresses some serious issues related to marriage and relationships. One of the main messages of the show is that marriage should not be seen as a mandatory milestone in life but rather an option for those who choose it.
The drama explores the reasons why some people choose to remain single and why society puts so much pressure on them to get married. It highlights the importance of individualism and personal happiness over social norms and expectations. It also shows how family and cultural traditions can influence people's decisions regarding marriage and relationships.
The Characters
Marriage Not Dating features a diverse cast of characters who bring their unique personalities and perspectives to the story. Gong Gi-tae, the male lead, is a successful plastic surgeon with a cold and distant personality. He has a traumatic past that has shaped his views on love and marriage, making him believe that they are unnecessary burdens.
Joo Jang-mi, the female lead, is a warm-hearted and passionate woman who dreams of getting married and having children. However, she keeps getting her heart broken by men who are only interested in her looks or money. Her encounter with Gi-tae makes her question her beliefs about love and relationships.
Other notable characters include Gi-tae's mother, who is obsessed with finding him a wife; Han Yeo-reum, Jang-mi's ex-boyfriend who still has feelings for her; and Lee Hoon-dong, Jang-mi's former fling who tries to win her back.
The Humor
Marriage Not Dating is known for its hilarious scenes and witty dialogue. The drama uses humor to lighten up the serious themes it tackles and make the audience laugh at the absurdity of some situations. The show's humor is often slapstick and exaggerated, but it never feels forced or out of place.
One of the funniest aspects of the drama is Gi-tae's attempts to sabotage his mother's matchmaking efforts by bringing Jang-mi to their family gatherings. The awkward interactions between Jang-mi and Gi-tae's family members are always entertaining to watch, especially when they try to pass off their fake engagement as real.
The Romance
Although Marriage Not Dating is not your typical romantic drama, it still delivers on the romance front. The chemistry between Gi-tae and Jang-mi is palpable from the start, even though they start off as fake lovers. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop genuine feelings for each other, but their pride and misunderstandings keep getting in the way.
Their love story is not without its obstacles, but it is heartwarming to see them overcome them together. The drama also explores different types of love, such as the one-sided love of Yeo-reum towards Jang-mi or the misguided love of Hoon-dong towards Jang-mi.
The Ending
Marriage Not Dating's ending is satisfying and stays true to the show's message. Without giving too much away, it offers closure for all the characters' storylines while leaving room for interpretation and imagination.
The final scene is particularly memorable and encapsulates what the show was all about - the freedom to choose one's own path in life without succumbing to societal pressures. It also shows that happiness can be found in unexpected places and with unexpected people.
Marriage Not Dating
Marriage Not Dating is a gem of a drama that balances humor, romance, and social commentary perfectly. It offers a fresh perspective on the institution of marriage and encourages viewers to question their beliefs about it. The show's memorable characters, witty dialogue, and heartwarming romance make it a must-watch for anyone looking for something different from the typical romantic dramas out there.